Metropolitan Opera: Les Contes d'Hoffmann

Offenbach's fantastical final opera, based on three tales by German Romantic novelist ETA Hoffmann.

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The Met's fabulous production of Offenbach's opera fantastique returns with a new cast led by Vittorio Grigolo. Underdog Hoffmann (Vittorio Grigolo) regales his drinking buddies with tales of his serial romantic misfortunes. Offenbach's ever-popular tall tale of the tortured poet and unwitting adventurer who is four times unlucky in love is based on three compelling stories by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Hoffmann himself appears in heavily disguised form as the protagonist. Bartlett Sher's acclaimed production returns to the Met with a new cast. Vittorio Grigolo takes the title role. Abkhazian soprano Hibla Gerzmava shoulders the challenge of singing all four of the opera's heroines - the automaton Olympia, the sickly singer Antonia, the courtesan Giulietta, and the prima donna Stella. Kate Lindsey reprises her performances as Hoffmann's closest friend, Nicklausse, while Thomas Hampson adds a role to his impressive Met repertory as the Four Villains. Yves Abel conducts the sparkling score.
226 mins